Valéry Giscard d'Estaing is unquestionably recognized as a great European. As a representative of the liberal tradition, his seven-year term was marked by fundamental reforms in French society, such as the decriminalization of abortion, lowering the voting age to 18, and easing the divorce procedure, among others. On a larger scale, his political commitment to strengthening European institutions is hailed. Alongside Helmut Schmidt, he was instrumental in the creation of the European Council, which brings together heads of state and government. He also worked towards the direct election of European parliamentarians starting in 1979 and led the convention that prepared the European Constitutional Treaty, which was ultimately rejected in 2005.

Participants:

Eric ROUSSEL, French journalist and historian, author of the political biography of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, published in 2018 by L'Observatoire editions.

Alain LAMASSOURE, former minister and former Member of the European Parliament, president of the Scientific Committee of the Foundation Robert Schuman.

The debate will be moderated by Véronique AUGER, president of the Association of European Journalists, president of Citizens for Europe, and former French television journalist specializing in European affairs.

When? Tuesday, February 2 of 2021, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.